Mladen Zizović, the 44-year-old coach of Radnički 1923, suffered cardiac arrest during a Serbian Superliga match
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European football is experiencing hours of deep grief following the death of Mladen Zizović, the 44-year-old Bosnian coach of Radnički 1923, who passed away after suffering cardiac arrest during the match against Mladost Lucani in the Serbian Superliga. The tragic episode occurred in the 22nd minute of the first half, when the coach suddenly collapsed on the field.
Medical teams entered immediately to assist him and he was rushed to the nearest hospital, but resuscitation attempts proved unsuccessful. Twenty minutes after his arrival at the medical center, his death was confirmed, which caused a wave of shock both in the stadium and throughout the country.
Initially, the referee had decided to continue the match, although the news of the death forced its definitive suspension. Players, members of the coaching staff, and spectators were visibly shocked, in a scene that reflected the magnitude of the tragedy experienced in the stadium.
Zizović had taken charge of the team only on October 23, and the match against Mladost was his third official game in charge of the club. A former international footballer with Bosnia and Herzegovina, father of three children, and highly respected in the community, his passing had a deep impact on football in the Balkans.
Farewell messages
Hours later, Radnički 1923 published a statement on its social media expressing its sorrow: "With the deepest sorrow we inform you that our head of the professional staff, Mladen Zizović, passed away during tonight's match between Mladost and Radnički 1923. The club has lost not only a great expert, but above all a good man and friend who left a deep mark on the hearts of all who knew him".
El club expresó su pesar en redes tras la muerte de Zizović
The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) also issued an official statement: "His premature departure represents a huge loss for the entire football community. His love for football and the legacy he left will remain with us forever".
Historic clubs such as Partizan Belgrade and Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) joined in mourning, dedicating messages of respect and condolences to his family and to Radnički 1923.
